QUESTION FROM READER:
Is it necessary to fertilize plants, especially perennials? I thought if my plants came back, regular watering was enough. Also, if fertilizer is needed, how often should it be used, and when is the best time to apply it?
GL365 RESPONSE:
Dear Reader,
Yes! Fertilizer is food for your plants. It provides the necessary nutrients for them to thrive and survive over time. Just like us, we could not live on water alone. Our bodies require other nutrients to remain healthy and strong.
So, even though your perennials are coming back yearly, they still need fertilizer to help them replace nutrients lost in the soil over time. Eventually, no matter what type of soil you use, it will become depleted of vital nutrients to feed your plants.
Likewise, annuals also benefit from fertilizer. Despite being seasonal, plant food helps feed these plants throughout the season.
Ultimately, fertilizers help give your annuals and perennials strong roots, bountiful blooms, and a beautiful, healthy appearance.
Fertilizers come in granular or liquid form or as stakes.
In general, an all-purpose fertilizer is fine. But there are specific fertilizers for some plants that provide those plants with even better results. Special fertilizers are made for trees, shrubs, roses, vegetables, herbs, and other plants. There is even plant food to help increase flower blooms! 🌼 Check your plant care labels for more details. You can also visit our premium plant catalog for some plant care tips.
At GL365, we depend on fertilizers to keep our plants growing and blooming beautifully. You can see how healthy and large our plants are. 😲 😄 We love Miracle-Gro and trust their products primarily, which helps give us these results. 🌹💖🌻
Fertilizers should be applied in early spring and fall. But can even be applied during the summer, depending on the type. Liquid fertilizers have a shorter feeding time and can be used more regularly between every 7 – 14 days. Granule and stake fertilizers are usually slow-release. So they would be applied less often, such as every 3 months.
Be aware of the common indications that your plants need more nutrients, like unusually slow-growth, yellow or browning leaves, and fewer blooms.
Finally, don’t forget, regular watering is essential. Be careful not to over or under water your plants because both can be problematic. Pay close attention when using fertilizers that adequate water is given to activate the fertilizers and help the food reach the plant roots.
— Journée ❤️